La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre
9850 Genesee Ave Suite 130
La Jolla, CA 92037
Call: (858) 452-1981 Text: (858) 203-2944
M–F: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
The naturally occurring fat pad in the hollows of your cheeks can make your face look too full or “chubby.” If you feel dissatisfied with your appearance due to these fat pads, buccal fat removal can give you a more sculpted and contoured look. People from the San Diego, CA, area who desire a more elegant profile seek out our La Jolla-based practice for our surgeons’ expertise in buccal fat removal.
| Buccal Fat Removal At A Glance |
|---|
| Goal: A more defined lower face |
| Anesthesia: General anesthesia or intravenous sedation |
| Average Procedure Time: An hour or less |
| Recovery: 2 to 3 weeks (or until initial swelling subsides) |
| Resume Eating Regular Food: A few days |
| Final Results: 3 months |
| Longevity: Permanent (if you maintain a stable weight) |
Buccal Fat Removal Specials & Events
What To Expect During Your Buccal Fat Removal Surgery
You will be given intravenous sedation or general anesthesia before your procedure. Using surgical techniques, your plastic surgeon will create an incision on the inside of your mouth to remove a portion of buccal fat.
After the procedure, you will need to recover at home for several weeks. Your plastic surgeon will advise you on how to care for the surgical site and pain relievers you can take to manage discomfort.
View Before & After Results
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
Swelling is common after this procedure and will initially make your results difficult to see. To reduce swelling, sleep on your back for the first few days with your head elevated. You can also manage swelling by applying an ice pack to the area. Although most swelling resolves within a few weeks, residual swelling can take up to 3 months to go away completely.
Your mouth may be sore after surgery, so eating soft, non-acidic foods for a few days is helpful. You may also need to rinse your mouth with a special wash to prevent infection.
Design
the New You
the New You
Not sure how to get the look you want? Tell us about your goals, and we’ll show you the possibilities.
Try Our Treatment Planner
Does Buccal Fat Grow Back?
Buccal fat removal is permanent, so it’s essential to consider the procedure’s advantages and disadvantages before committing to it. One drawback is that buccal fat removal can make your face look gaunt and prematurely old if you later lose natural volume in your face due to aging.
Although the fat pad cannot grow back, the other fat cells in your cheeks can expand due to weight gain.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
Only some people will be good candidates for this procedure, especially if you have a naturally narrow or thin face. People who are good candidates will have the following facial attributes:
- A heavier facial appearance
- Rounded cheeks that create a child-like appearance
- Lack of facial definition
You can combine other facial contouring procedures, such as neck liposuction, with buccal fat removal to create more definition in your face and neck.
How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost?
If you’re beyond ready to say bye-bye to your baby face, we’re ready to help! Use our affordable payment plans to help pay for your buccal fat removal. Put down $1,000 and pay only $132 monthly with average credit for 48 months. If you have above-average credit or can make a bigger initial payment, you’ll save even more monthly! That’s all there is to it – get prequalified today!
Buccal fat removal surgical costs can vary depending on your specific needs. For more info, including fee ranges, visit our pricing page.
Achieving a more sculpted, contoured look has never been more attainable! Apply for plastic surgery financing online now, or let us guide you through your options during your consultation. We’re excited to help … let’s do this!
Are You Ready To Try Buccal Fat Removal?
Our plastic surgeons are committed to giving you an excellent and safe outcome from buccal fat removal so you can enjoy your new look. We listen to your facial concerns and customize your procedure for natural-looking and long-lasting results.
We make it easy to take your next steps toward confidence with 3 convenient ways to connect with our team. In just a few clicks, you can call us now, book a call, or request a call back to explore options at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre—San Diego’s most awarded and trusted cosmetic practice!
Last reviewed by a La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre Editor on March 17th, 2026. Meet Our Medical Editors
